In only his third season Otago Volts fringe player Sam Wells is starting to be noticed for his talent with the ball.
The 25 year old Dunedin local has played all his cricket in the southern city, up through age groups to finally make his debut for the Volts in 2007 against the Central Stags in the four-day format.
He was first noticed for his batting during his high school years at Otago Boys and through the under 17 and under 19 group grades. He first came into the Volts side as a middle order batsman; however he has developed his bowling and is now considered an all-rounder. Wells has already made his mark in the Plunket Shield taking two five wicket hauls, the first in the second round against Canterbury and the second against the Central Stags.
Mike Hesson, Otago Volts Coach, said it’s good that Wells has been able to develop his bowling. “We got him bowling in the nets to start with and it has just evolved from there. We’ve also worked hard on his fitness and now he’s reaping the benefits.
“He swings the ball consistently and is quite a useful bowler throughout the innings. He can swing with the new ball and reverse with the old. It’s only early days for Sam but he’s had a fantastic start to the season.”
Wells isn’t a contracted player for the Volts, so is taking it one game at a time. “It’s good to be able to contribute to the team’s performances. I was lucky to get a chance against Canterbury last week and got another chance this week,” Wells said. “I don’t know when my last game of the season is going to be so I dig in and get in there. And I’ve been putting in good performances so hopefully I’ll get picked again.”
Although Wells is quite quiet, he has fitted into the Volts well. “The guys give him a bit of a hard time because of his flowing locks. He gets a bit of grief because he has to reset his hair after every ball,” Hesson laughed.
However there is a reason behind those flowing locks. “I’ve decided to grow my hair out because I’ve just trained as a lawyer and I start my ‘real’ job soon. So I thought I’d have a bit of fun before I have a lawyer’s hair cut for the rest of my life!” Wells chuckled.
Wells is also a very talented poker player. He competes online and a year ago he came seventh in the online Poker Stars Million Sunday, taking away $US21,000 in prize money. “I haven’t blown it,” Wells said. “I’ve invested in shares. Matt Harvey is my share advisor.”
